The buzz: Some love it, some not so much, but Penn is getting kudos and the film is almost universally considered worth a look. "It's not a great movie, but it is an enlivening and unusual one: an effervescent political film that also packs a knockout punch," the Baltimore Sun says.

Nothing Like the Holidays

The gist: A family comes together for Christmas to nonstop fighting and backbiting. Sounds like the holidays to us. PG-13

The buzz: Sounds like the holidays to lots of others, too. "The troubles are broad, the plot twists giant, and the performances cheery in this carol to ethnic pride in Chicago's traditionally Latino Humboldt Park," Entertainment Weekly says.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

The gist: Another pointless, unnecessary remake of a sci-fi classic with Keanu Reeves as Klaatu and a cartoon as Gort reminding us humanity may ultimately destroy itself. Why, Hollywood, why? PG-13

The buzz: Even a good cast can't save a silly, effects-laden retread like this. "This botched remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still seriously dishonors the seriously fine 1951 sci-fi landmark on which it's based," Variety scolds.

Delgo

The gist: Another quickie animated fantasy film thrown together and full of celebrity voices. Snore. PG